DOHA: The Ninth Ministerial Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Food Security and Agricultural Development has stressed the need for close cooperation within the parameters of the OIC to build more resilient food systems, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
Under the slogan “Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in the OIC Member States,” the meeting said there is a need to set up a necessary financial infrastructure and legal frameworks to enhance the financial inclusion of farmers.
H. E. #Hissein_Brahim_Taha: “23 #OIC member states among world's poorest with food deficits, especially in sub-Saharan #Africa and arid regions of West #Asia and Northeast Africa.” #OICFoodSecurityConference #FoodSecurity #SDGs pic.twitter.com/JisZ5hrLU9
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) October 2, 2023
The conference held in Doha also said assisting farmers will be through providing access to financial products and services, including Islamic finance models that strengthen economic resilience and enhance their production and income.
According to a statement by the OIC, the conference highlighted the importance of cooperation and collaboration with relevant OIC institutions regarding conducting research and developing a business model framework in contract farming, and evaluating the needs and capacities of the member states.
Read Also: OIC Secretary-General Lauds OSBU’s Efforts to Develop Radio, TV Sectors
It said that the business model will be submitted in the next session of the conference for discussions and making a final decision.
The conference participants praised Qatar for hosting the conference, noting its role in supporting efforts to boost food security in the OIC Member States.
The OIC is the second-largest international body after the United Nations, with 57 member states spread across four continents. It represents the collective voice of the Islamic world and seeks to protect and express its interests in support of international peace and harmony and to strengthen ties.
